PARIS — Kate O’Brien has won Canada’s first medal at the Paralympic Games in Paris with a bronze in track cycling.

The 36-year-old from Calgary finished third in the women’s C4-5 500-metre time trial at the velodrome behind gold medallist Caroline Groot of the Netherlands and silver medallist Marie Patouillet of France.

O’Brien won a silver medal in her Paralympic debut in Tokyo three years ago.

She raced for Canada at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016. 

After crashing in 2017 and suffering multiple injuries, including a brain injury, O’Brien switched to para cycling.

She has also won a pair of silver medals at the world para cycling championship in the time trial.

Kate O’Brien has made history by becoming the first Canadian to win a Paralympic medal in track cycling. The talented athlete secured a bronze medal in the women’s C4-5 500m time trial event at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

O’Brien, who hails from Calgary, Alberta, has been a rising star in the world of para-cycling. She first began competing in the sport after a serious accident left her with a spinal cord injury. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, O’Brien has shown incredible determination and perseverance in pursuing her athletic dreams.

Her historic win at the Paralympic Games is a testament to her hard work and dedication. O’Brien’s performance on the track was nothing short of impressive, as she clocked a time of 37.272 seconds to secure the bronze medal.

In addition to her success on the track, O’Brien is also a strong advocate for inclusivity and diversity in sports. She hopes that her achievements will inspire other para-athletes to pursue their own athletic goals and break down barriers in the world of sports.

O’Brien’s bronze medal win marks a significant milestone for Canadian para-cycling and serves as a reminder of the incredible talent and determination of para-athletes around the world. Congratulations to Kate O’Brien on her historic achievement!